In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that talented youngster Oneil Cruz will be transitioning from shortstop to center field. Manager Derek Shelton cited Cruz's season-ending injury in 2023 as part of the reasoning behind this decision. Despite being listed as the designated hitter on Monday night's lineup, Cruz's future lies in center field, according to Shelton's comments to reporters.

The decision to move Cruz from shortstop to center field comes after a horrific injury last season. Cruz suffered a broken leg in April when he collided with White Sox catcher Seby Zavala while sliding into home plate. While shortstop is often considered a more physically demanding position, Cruz has played 112 games at that position this season. However, the Pirates are now opting to utilize his exceptional athleticism and impressive arm strength in center field.

This shift in position certainly raises eyebrows, especially considering the timing. Typically, a player wouldn't completely change positions in late August, but rather during spring training or due to a significant injury. The move coincides with the return of Nick Gonzales from a groin injury suffered in late July. Gonzales had been playing second base prior to his injury.

Cruz, who is 25 years old, has never played center field, even in the minor leagues. His experience primarily lies in shortstop, with a brief stint in left field at the Triple-A level. However, the Pirates are confident in Cruz's athleticism and believe he has the potential to become an excellent defender in center.

This season, Cruz has been a consistent contributor at the plate, batting .265/.324/.468 (120 OPS+) with 29 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, 57 runs scored, 17 stolen bases, and a 2.5 WAR. While his defensive metrics, such as run value and outs above average, may indicate below-average performance, Cruz's potential makes this positional change an intriguing experiment.

The Pirates' recent performance has been a mix of highs and lows. They have won four out of their last six games, but earlier this month, they suffered a 10-game losing streak that effectively dashed their hopes of making a playoff run.

Only time will tell if Cruz can successfully transition to center field and elevate his defensive game. The Pirates seem willing to take that chance, banking on his exceptional athleticism and natural abilities to make an impact in his new role. As the season progresses, fans will be closely watching Cruz's development as he takes on the challenges of patrolling center field.